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Quality of online information on breast cancer treatment options
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 08:14 authored by Nadia Arif, Pietro GhezziOffering breast cancer patients treatment choice has become a priority as the involvement of patients in the decision-making process is associated with improved physical and psychological outcomes. As the Internet is increasingly being used by patients as a source of medical information, it is important to evaluate the quality of information relating to breast cancer on the Internet. We analysed 200 websites returned by google.co.uk searching “breast cancer treatment options” in terms of their typology and treatment options described. These were related to standard measures of health information quality such as the JAMA score and the presence of quality certifications, as well as readability. We found that health portals were of higher quality whilst commercial and professional websites were of poorer quality in terms of JAMA criteria. Overall, readability was higher than previously reported for other conditions, and Google ranked websites with better readability higher. Most websites discussed surgical and medical treatments. Few websites, with a large proportion being of commercial typology, discussed complementary and alternative medicine. Google ranked professional websites low whilst websites from non-profit organizations were promoted in the ranking.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
BreastISSN
0960-9776Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
37Page range
6-12Department affiliated with
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2017-10-10First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-10-15First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2017-10-10Usage metrics
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